Tampa teen's alleged killer captured almost 2 years later

TAMPA (FOX 13) - After two years searching, a suspect has been arrested and charged with the murder of 18-year-old Lyfe Coleman.

For Life Malcolm, the slain teen's father, the memories of his son's life - and his death - never fade.

"I remember carrying him around when he was just 3 pounds, 12 ounces," Malcolm recalled. "When I got the news that he was shot, I came outside and found him laying right here where it is sectioned of... We were holding hands, I remember being lathered in his blood from my fingertips to my elbows."

Malcolm still lives where his son, Lyfe died after being shot shortly after midnight on January 5, 2015.

"I miss him, I wish he was here," said Malcolm. "That was my man. Almost everyday of his life, he was with me."

Police now believe the shooter is 21-year-old Reginald Bowman. His DNA was allegedly on a visor found at the scene. TPD also says they corroborated tips that Bowman was staging a gun sale so he could rob Coleman.

Lyfe's mother is bracing for what could be many months of courtroom drama, if the case goes to trial.

"You don't leave a human being lying in their front yard, or anywhere, to die and not reap the consequences," she said.

Lyfe's father called Bowman's arrest important, but not closure.

"Our community has been dealing with this for decades. It's important that this discussion continues so we can get a good handle on how we can solve these problems, because we can't afford to continue to lose good young men," Malcolm said.

Now, Lyfe Coleman's story moves to the courtroom, even as it hangs over the home and neighborhood where he lived.

"I hate, for myself, that he is not here," said Malcolm. "I also hate that he is not here for this community, to help do this work to make it better."